Amused, he lowered himself into a chair. “I’d apologize but I fear I wouldn’t mean it. I’ve never been handed a more flattering comment, unintentional as it may have been.”

“I beg your pardon. I tend to say the wrong thing. It’s a terrible habit.”

“If complimenting me is a result of that terrible habit, then may you never reform.” He took a sip and watched her over the rim of his glass. Her cheeks were flushed and she was breathing heavily. Embarrassment? Excitement? “A bit unusual for me to be the responsible party in this situation, but I feel I must point out the danger of what we’re doing. If we’re caught, it could prove incredibly awkward for you.”

She didn’t flinch. “We won’t be caught. My mother has taken her nightly laudanum and I made sure the maids were dismissed for the evening.”

“Ah. Then all that’s left is for you to tell me why you’re here.”

Clearing her throat, she folded her hands in her lap, fingers twisted tightly. “From what I have observed, you seem to know what you are doing with women.”

He pressed his lips together to avoid laughing. Something told him amusement would offend her, and he had the strangest urge to protect her feelings. “I do have a bit of experience with women, yes. Comes with the tall and handsome territory, I’m afraid.”

“That’s perfect,” she said, looking oddly relieved. “You are exactly what I need.”

Indeed, this conversation was taking an unexpected turn. “I don’t understand. You are here to try to marry Harrison Archer.”

The young lady waved her hand. “Oh, Mr. Archer is in love with Miss Webster. Everyone can see that.”

She’d noticed as much after one dinner? Perhaps his late-night visitor was more than she seemed. “You are very astute, aren’t you? I mean, you say I’m handsome and you aren’t wrong, but you also picked up on Harrison’s feelings for Maddie.”

She sank into the plush armchair, shrinking before his eyes. “Oh, it’s merely a lucky guess. I don’t know anything.”

“Are you embarrassed of being called clever?” When she sighed and looked down at her hands, he had his answer. “Being smart is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Of course you’d say that,” she said. “You’re a man. It’s not the same for women. We shouldn’t aspire for intelligence.”

“That’s absurd. Who told you such nonsense?”

“My mother.”

No spirits and an attitude of women worthy of a caveman? “I believe I don’t care for your mother.”

“We are losing focus.”

He grinned as he sipped from his glass. This young woman was entertaining, in an unusual way. “And what focus is that?”

“I would like your help in learning how to seduce a man.”